BAREtruth Theatre Company announces the world première of Little Stitches, an evening of four plays each tackling the subject of female genital mutilation (FGM). More than 140 million women and girls worldwide have suffered FGM and, although the huge majority of victims live in Africa and certain Middle Eastern and Asian countries, the number of cases in the UK is on the rise. An estimated 137,000 women in Britain are living with the consequences of FGM and more than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 thought to be at risk each year. However, despite FGM being criminalised in the UK nearly 30 years ago, there has only been two prosecutions.
BAREtruth brings together four writers, Bahar Brunton, Karis E Halsall, Isley Lynn and Raul Quiros Molina to explore the human stories behind the statistics. In addition, the company will engage with communities affected by FGM by performing readings of the plays for free in local libraries around London.
A programme of post show talks will accompany performances, featuring Psychotherapist and Lead Campaigner Leyla Hussein. Leyla is the winner of Cosmopolitan Ultimate Campaigner Women of the Year Award 2010 and also winner of the Emma Humphrey Award based on her work on FGM and violence against women/children.
WHERE DO I START?
By Raul Quiros Molina
An activist with over twenty years’ experience of FGM, a charity worker who’s worked in several countries in Africa and a mid-wife who helps survivors in London discuss what can and can't be done to prevent FGM worldwide. But the voice of Felicity, a victim from Somalia living in London, can explain what it’s like beyond the facts and the figures. Where Do I Start? is a verbatim play extracted from the real testimonies of nurses, survivors, activists and teachers.
DANCING FEET
By Bahar Brunton
Two women celebrate a child’s leap into womanhood. They could get the party started if the girl would just smile.
SLEIGHT OF HAND
By Isley Lynn
How well do you know your neighbours? If something unspeakable was happening next door, would you know about it? And what would you do if you found out?
MUTANT
By Karis E Halsall
Like any other 14 year old, Safa has big plans for her summer holidays. But in a world where she has no voice, tradition threatens to cripple her. Years later a Doctor has to face up to the consequences of his actions.
Mutant examines choice within a cultural hegemony, and the devastating effects when people are denied one.
